He is firm, but kind

“Look at me” he said calmly

I didn’t make a move. I knew that I had to obey, but I was just too afraid to look at him.

“Raise your head and look at me, Twenty-six!” he hissed, his voice allowing no further disobedience.

I shivered. He was going to hurt me, I just knew it. He must be angry at me because I didn’t obey immediately.

I slowly lowered my hands and raised my head, tentatively looking at him. He loomed directly above me, his strong body effectively blocking any way of escape I might have had otherwise. There it was again, the predatory glow in his eyes. I didn’t just imagine it on the **** fare. I wanted nothing more than to look away and cower down, but I knew that this would make my punishment only worse.

However, as soon as he noticed me looking at him, his expression softened noticeably. He reached out towards my head and began to pet me. I flinched initially, but as he continued to softly pet my hair and my ears, I relaxed a little.

“Good girl.” He praised me “See? That wasn’t so hard. There is nothing to be afraid of.”

Why was he praising me? “Aren’t… aren’t you going to punish me, master?” I asked shakily.

“Hm… Maybe I should, you didn’t obey me immediately, after all. But then again, you did obey on the second try, and I suppose you have a lot to process right now. So, I will forgive you this time.” He said, still petting my head.

“But… but… but! I ate all the food! And I licked your hand!”

“I asked if it was the same food, whether you smell it or try it, I don’t care. Granted, I didn’t expect you to eat it all, and neither did I expect you to lick my hand, but I didn’t dislike it either. I mean, which master wouldn’t like a kitten that eats out of the palm of his hand mere hours after he bought her?” he said with a smirk.

I didn’t understand the world. Why wasn’t he angry? Why was he so kind? Why to me? Was this some kind of trap? Surely it was, it had to be.

“Listen, little one.” he said, withdrawing his hand from my head, much to my dismay “All I want you to be my obedient pet. I won’t punish you if I don’t have to and I will reward you for good behaviour.”

I silently contemplated what he just said. He wanted me to be his docile little pet? I could do that… not that I had a choice in the matter, but I doubted that he would even need much “convincing” for that… I was naturally submissive, even more so than other cats. He even offered to reward me for good behaviour, not only punishment when I didn’t do as I was told!

And besides, I already missed his hand petting me.

“Then… I won’t be punished?” I asked uncertainly.

“No, you won’t be punished.” He reaffirmed. “Now come and eat, you must be famished. And you need to gain some weight.”